Dr. Daniél (Dani) Kimlinger holds the esteemed position of Chief Executive Officer at MINES and Associates. With a solid foundation in human resources, organizational psychology, and leadership, Dani brings a wealth of expertise to her role. In addition to her professional achievements, she is deeply engaged in community enrichment, generously offering her time as a volunteer and assuming roles on diverse non-profit and professional boards.
In recognition of her unwavering commitment and significant contributions, Dani received notable acclaim in 2021 and 2022. She was named a Titan 100 CEO in Colorado, a testament to her exceptional leadership and influence within the business landscape.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Can you please provide a brief overview of your professional background and experience in the industry?
My passion for the mental health industry was ignited during my college years. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in nursing, I realized that mental health was a field that deeply resonated with me. Growing up in a family where access to mental health services was limited, I witnessed the challenges faced by family members dealing with untreated mental health and substance use issues. This affected not only them, but also our entire family system. This personal experience prompted me to switch my major to psychology and sociology during my junior year of college.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I embarked on a career path that allowed me to contribute to the mental health sector. I took on two roles simultaneously—one involved working in an intake center in mental health focusing on EAP programs and completing intakes for a federal substance use grant, while the other had me working overnight shifts at a homeless youth shelter in Denver., I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by the existing systems: the costs were too high for clients, providers did not take Medicaid, and clients were going in and out of the department of corrections due to a lack of resources, leading me to realize that my true calling led me to look for a “systems role” within the mental health industry.
This realization led me to pursue a master’s in health administration and subsequently embark on a journey towards obtaining my PhD focusing in organizational leadership. The field of organizational psychology, in particular, intrigued me because of its potential to impact behavioral health systems at a broader level. My experience at MINES, in our organizational psychology division, BizPsych, showed me that an impact could be made on a larger scale.
Throughout my career, my focus was in organizational psychology and human resources. At the age of 30, I was appointed CEO of MINES. This role allowed me to be part of team that was making a meaningful impact in the mental health industry and to contribute to a cause that has been close to my heart throughout my life.
Tell us about MINES and Associates and its mission. What inspired you to join this company?
MINES was founded by Dr. Robert Mines in 1981. MINES is about to celebrate its 43rd anniversary! We have two divisions: a health psychology division and an organizational psychology division. Our health psychology division includes our employee assistance programs, which are provided internationally, it also includes our managed behavioral healthcare services and our PPO network of behavioral health providers and facilities. In the health psychology division, we also provide onsite behavioral health clinicians for on-site clinics. As well as other services such as critical incident support debriefings. Our organizational psychology division includes services such as human resources investigations, assessments, trainings, coaching, and custom professional development programs.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within your organization, considering the rapidly changing landscape of the business industry?
MINES’ thriving culture and its dedicated people are the driving force behind our growth and impactful work. I have never witnessed such a passionate and caring team, deeply invested in each other’s well-being and our clients’ well-being. Their unwavering commitment to support and advocate for our clients, as well as their willingness to lend a helping hand to one another, is truly remarkable.
How do you prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure that the company provides exceptional service to its clients?
MINES follows up with every client on every service through calls, emails, and surveys, and we take every piece of feedback seriously. We reach out to any clients who do not have an ideal experience with us and share that with us
What steps do you take to attract and retain top talent in the industry, and how do you encourage professional growth and development within your organization?
At MINES, our remarkable talent is the driving force behind our continuous growth and success. We place a strong emphasis on prioritizing our employees’ well-being and ensuring a positive work experience for all. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we made a swift transition to remote work. Initially, we were unsure about how our unique culture would adapt to this change, but, we found that going remote did not negatively impact our culture, it enhanced it. On the contrary, it brought about enhanced flexibility and widened our talent pool.
In recent years, many of our newer team members have been able to join MINES without having to relocateto Denver. This has allowed them to contribute their skills and expertise, enriching our team with diverse perspectives.
How do you address the increasing importance of digitalization and technology in the finance sector, and how does it influence the company’s operations and customer experience?
Over the years, we have embraced the power of technology to offer a wide range of options to our clients, catering to their diverse preferences and needs. Through video, telephonic, message-based, and in-person therapy, we ensure that individuals can access counseling in a way that suits them best. Moreover, for those who prefer not to call us, we have introduced a user-friendly digital intake system, simplifying the process of accessing our services.
As the CEO of MINES and Associates, what is your overall vision for the company’s future, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Our vision is: Our vision is to save lives and influence the course of human events.
We achieve this through:
- Comprehensive mental health services
- Technology integration
- Collaborative partnerships
- Continuous innovation
- Emphasis on employee well-being
- Diverse perspectives
- Commitment to learning and continuously improving
- Supportive culture and leadership
- Client-centered approach
By combining these strategies and fostering a culture of care, innovation, and continuous improvement, MINES fulfills its vision of “saving lives and influencing the course of human events.” The organization’s dedication to mental health and its commitment to making a difference in people’s lives drive our ongoing success and impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders or individuals looking to join the industry?
For aspiring leaders, I have three crucial pieces of advice to offer. Follow your heart! When you follow your heart in business, you feel it, and it’s contagious! Secondly, building relationships is paramount when entering and growing in any industry. I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded and values-driven professionals. It is essential to network not only within your industry but also with professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles. The perspectives, guidance, and support you gain from this diverse group can be highly beneficial. Surrounding yourself with individuals who are more experienced and skilled than you can be incredibly enriching.
Third, remember that growth and learning are never-ending journeys. My own educational path involved nine years of post-high school studies, encompassing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. However, I found that the most impactful and profound learning occurred after completing my Ph.D. Moreover, new concepts and models have emerged since my graduate school days, highlighting the constant evolution of knowledge. As entrepreneurs, we must remain humble and open to continuous learning in all areas, even those where we might consider ourselves experts. There is always room for improvement, and embracing a growth mindset can propel us to greater heights.
Website: https://minesandassociates.com/
